April 7, 2008 by Rob.

I got some questions from Mike R in Wellington NEW ZEALAND . I’m glad to help with the warning that, like most EV questions, answers will depend on your budget!

Here are the questions:

I am looking at the possibility of having a Toyota RAV4 professionally converted from petrol to electric and have spent some time searching the forums for information. I have a couple of questions you might be able to help me with:

1. In New Zealand most RAV4 petrol versions are automatic not manual. Is there any disadvantage if I used an automatic as a donor vehicle? Are all the manual or auto “bits” removed, or was the manual an essential part of the conversion?

Answer: Generally, EV conversions avoid automatic transmissions because they are tuned to shift at the wrong RPMs. Electric motors have a very different torque curve than an ICE. I’ve heard that you CAN convert an automatic, but it’s not that common. They are also heavier and less efficient.

However, if you are interested in an AC system ($$$) then you may be able to use a direct drive and eliminate the transmission. This is fairly common on rear wheel drive conversions (unfortunately, a RAV4 does not qualify as RWD). AC motors can support a wider RPM range and also support reverse. That makes it possible to omit a transmission. Unfortunately, AC systems are more expensive.

2. The same applies with 2WD and 4WD. Very few 2 wheel drives in NZ. Can an experienced mechanic remove the additional 4WD parts without a significant loss in efficiency?

Answer: I have no idea about eliminating the rear drive. I suspect that you could diasble the rear drive, but you’ll need to check with a mechanic. If possible, I’d avoid 4WD because of the extra mechanical load from the gearing.

Thank you for your help. It is a big step to take in New Zealand, as we are a long way from any RAV4-EV owners!

Regards

Mike R

Posted in Conversion, Planning | 1 Comment »

January 5, 2008 by Rob.

I found the keys to the RAVolt’s roof rack during house cleaning over the holiday and was able to give the RAVolt top trim.  Hopefully, that will reduce my drag and improve my range.

Posted in Improvements, Pictures | No Comments »

December 15, 2007 by Rob.

Someone asked me at a holiday party if I would do another conversion. It was not a simple question to answer now that I have a working EV. I would love the learning and discovery of converting another car, but I doubt that I will.

I’m am very glad to have an EV to drive and have gotten comfortable with it’s limitations. However, to repeat the experience, I would want to take it up a notch and go for an AC motor with lithium batteries. That type of system would run about $30k and I could not justify putting that into a beat-up glider. That means spending something like $20k (or more) for a nice car. I’m just not willing to spend $50k on a car no matter how green.

All this is subject to change since my 6 year old daughter has already informed me that we are building a car together when she is old enough to drive. How can I argue with that!

Posted in Storyline, Conversion, Planning | No Comments »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

The RAVolt appeared sufficiently repentant to take a short drive so I played electric bus today by driving our middle school carpool. Considering the fragile cargo, I thoughtfully preheated the car. This handy box heater with thermostat was just what the electrician ordered! It’s amazing how warm the car stays if it’s been preheated and equally amazing how fast it cools off when the kids are unloading with the doors open.

Posted in Daily Use, Improvements, Pictures | 1 Comment »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

I’m thinking through why my batteries died yesterday and my current theory is that cold batteries do not charge well. I already know that cold batteries produce less power, but I suspect that they may not charge as well too. I’m going to dig around a little and see if I can verify that.

BTW: recharging over-used batteries stinks, literally. The RAVolt got that strong sulfur battery stress smell during charging today. That means that tonight is the perfect night for double helpings of Laura’s famous 12 bean chili.

Posted in Improvements | 1 Comment »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

RAVolt and sister EVs of the AustinEV group will be out in force at Saturday’s 12/1 Sustainable Shoppers’ Ball.  The ball held in conjunction with the weekly Sunset Valley Farmers’ Market at the Tony Berger Center (near 360/290 and Brodie Lane).

I know you want to come just to see me, but there is other Eco-friendly green feel-the-environment-love stuff there too.  We went (sans EV) last year and had a good time.

Posted in Green Tech, Pictures, Storyline, AustinEV | No Comments »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

I thought that the group would like to know that I’ve been issued the first Austin Energy Electric Vehicles Rebate Program check for an EV conversion: File # EC0001 for $250.  This is proof positive of their deep conviction in supporting grid vehicles and alternative energy.   The money is great, but the sentiment is even better!  I love Austin!

I’ve scanned the letter and check for you ogle.  Many thanks to the AustinEV group for helping make this available to conversions!

Posted in Pictures, AustinEV, Legal | 3 Comments »

November 28, 2007 by Rob.

Today was a very sad first for the RAVolt and I: my batteries died on my way home and I had to call Laura for a ride. I had a feeling when I left that I did not have a full charge, but pushed ahead anyway. I suspected that the batteries where not as strong on cold days (today was 40s)  and I ignored the warning signs.

An important note is that my homebound commute has a long stretch of up-up-and-more-up hill. By the time I hit the long hill, my batteries were already sagging hard. I ultimately had to pull over to the shoulder and crawl up the entire hill (from 360 Bridge up to Wild Basin). That was a long dark and slow trek with traffic whizzing by while the RAVolt was humming “I think I can, I think I can, Iiiiii thiiiiinnnnk Iiiii caaaaaaaaannnnnn.”

I’m hoping that the batteries are recovered enough that I can make it up the last hill and then coast home tomorrow. I’m going to grab a buddy at work and (if needed) use my gasser to give me a push. I’d though about towing the RAVolt, but I feel like I’m so close that a little patience and pushing will let me go the distance, since I’m not going for speed. Unfortunately, I doubt it will be a piece of Cake (listen to reference).

  A dark and lonely RAVolt waiting for daylight.

Posted in Daily Use, Pictures, Storyline | 1 Comment »

November 26, 2007 by Rob.

I bought myself a little heater / defroster from Fry’s last week. It was just $10 and has already proven to be valuable. It’s not very powerful, but it does the trick to defrost the windshield or warm up my hands.

I especially liked that Fry’s sticker described the heater as “for heat w/o engine.” I’m certain that they did not mean it was a heater for cars without engines, but it describes my application perfectly! Fry’s can caulk up one sale due to poor English.

Note: That little heater is pretty minor so I’m considering putting an AC box heater in the car to warm it up on cold mornings. That would make it nice and toasty!

Posted in Daily Use, Parts, Improvements, Pictures | 1 Comment »

November 15, 2007 by Rob.

I took the RAVolt for it’s annual physical this morning at the Rollingwood Chevron. After a brief, “how do I drive this thing” phone call, the inspectors were able to complete the safety inspection. They called DPS to get the codes to bypass the emissions & gas cap requirements.

I know the RAVolt was glad to skip “the turn your head and cough” part of the exam which must be very embarrassing for cars (especially those wannabe macho Hummers).  The inspector said that it was the first EV they’d ever tested and they’d assumed that it was some science project for UT.

Posted in Pictures, Legal | 1 Comment »